February 5, 2024 – Allenton, WI – There was an inspirational turnout Sunday morning as farmers from across Washington County and neighboring communities gathered in Allenton to pay tribute to a young man in farming who lost his life too soon.
Matt Beck arranged the Tractor Gathering for Curtis Nehm in Allenton as a way to show the family support during a time of tragedy.
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Nehm was 27 years old. He lost his life in a farming accident Saturday, January 27, 2024.
On Sunday morning, tractor after tractor turned off Highway 33 and rolled like a goliath down Railroad Street. The equipment that helps fill the silos and stores with food was now lining up in a show of strength wrapping their arms around part of their farm family and joining with them to mourn their loss.
“Curtis has helped all of us at one point, so we show up for him,” said Cale Fedorski, from the Beck Farm. “It shows that people that feed the world every single day still take time out of their day to honor somebody who is no longer with us.”
Red tractors, green and blue parked side-by-side in a statement of solidarity. Across the railroad tracks farmers also stood side-by-side, removing their implement hats and drying their tears as the black hearse carrying their friend slowly made its way past.
“I didn’t know the family was going to do the drive by,” said Ron Naab, a member of the Allenton Volunteer Fire Department who helped at the scene of the accident. ” I think that was really very meaningful for the family, I hope and it’s pretty meaningful for all the young people here.”
Deanna Schmidt from Schmidt Century Farm attended the event with her husband, father, and son. “Roger and I definitely would like to express our deepest condolences and our prayers to the family but having said that I hope they realize what a wonderful son they raised and how much of an impact he had on our farming community.”
Jody and Mike Battisti heard about the gathering for Curtis and were so inspired they shined up their tractor and came out early Sunday morning. “I just want to say it’s just unbelievable how many farmers came out here to do this,” said Jody. “It’s pretty special and he’s going to be very missed, very missed.”
At its peak, about 200 tractors lined Railroad Street, and the surrounding lots at Farmers’ Implement in Allenton.
Condolences came pouring in on social media. Some heartfelt comments are below.
Jackie Dahm – So so wonderful. This is what you truly call community. It’s beyond sad that Curtis was lost, but absolutely a testament to the impact he had on those around him. Wow….
Heather Plapper-Woehrer – May his family and friends find some comfort in knowing the positive impact Curtis had and in the support of their fellow farmers.
The following prayer was included in the memorial pamphlet at the funeral.
Now the laborer’s task is o’er;
Now the battle’s day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.
“Earth to earth and dust to dust,”
Calmly now the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust
For the resurrection day.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.
John Ellerton, 1870
February 3, 2024 – Washington County, WI – A Tractor Gathering has been slated for 27-year-old Curtis Nehm of Slinger, WI, who passed away recently following a farming accident. The event will be Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Farmers’ Implement, 525 Railroad Street, Allenton, WI and tractors will begin arriving around 10 a.m.
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Matt Beck is organizing the gathering. He said he’s seen tributes to fallen farmers in other states and was inspired by the turnout and hoped to create something similar for Nehm.
“This is the farming community showing our love for the Nehm family in this time of sadness. We are gathering tractors of all colors, with hopes of most tractors being lined up by noon. A shuttle bus will be transporting people from Farmers’ Implement to Faith UCC Church for visitation. Coffee, donuts, milk and hot ham will be served.”
“In Iowa and Illinois, it’s very common when a farmer passes away to have tractors line up on each side of the road, kind of just showing their respects more than anything,” he said.
Farmers Implement in Allenton is where a majority of people got to know Nehm.
“He’s worked there 10 or 11 years already, since he was 16. So I reached out to our salesman down there and he, right away, jumped on the idea that we should do something.”
“What our plan is, anybody that helps organize, and anybody who was kind of closer to Curtis, we are going to put those tractors first,” said Beck. “Those are going to be right outside the Farmers Implement building and then we’re actually across the street, so we’re gonna line tractors up there as well.”
Beck is estimating about 150 tractors will turnout.
“The church that the funeral is being held at is very small. So, we figured we’re just gonna get all the tractors at Farmers’ Implement and we’re going to put something together, so if the family wants to see it,” Beck said.
A shuttle will also be available to transport people from Allenton to the funeral.
“If Curtis were looking down at this, I hope the message he takes away is that he’s going to be missed,” said Beck. “He was a very, very bright individual in the farming community and he held the farming community together a little more than I think everybody realized until he’s gone.”
Below is the initial posting of the obituary for Curtis Nehm.
January 30, 2024 – Slinger, Wi – Curtis R. Nehm, 27, of Slinger, Wisconsin, tragically passed away in a farm accident Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Curtis was born May 7, 1996, in Hartford, WI to Susan (nee Herther) and William Nehm
Curtis loved Farming and was the proud owner of S&C Ag. Services LLC along with his brother Scott. He will be greatly missed behind the parts counter at Farmers Implement in Allenton.
He enjoyed showing steers at the county fair, snowmobiling, doing in-depth research, fixing and maintaining anything farm related and operating equipment. He will be fondly remembered for his witty commentary, big smile and laugh. He was a great uncle and friend to many.
Curtis is survived by his parents William and Susan; Sister Cheryl (Marcus) Asmus and brother Scott. Beloved nephew and niece Henry and God Daughter Leah. Grandmother Joyce Herther. Aunts and Uncles; Paul (Pat) Nehm, Godfather Russ (Ceil) Nehm, Judy Nehm, Rich (Sally) Nehm, Godmother Carol (Pete) Anderson, Sandy (Dan) Neuburg. Further survived by many cousins, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert (Audrey) Nehm and Ken Herther.
Funeral Services for Curtis will be held on Sunday February 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Faith United Church of Christ (2895 Slinger Rd. Slinger, WI 53086) Family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday at the church from 1 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
**PLEASE NOTE: There is no available parking on site at the church. Please meet at Slinger High School parking lot for provided bus transportation to/from Faith UCC from 12:30 p.m. until after services.**
Interment Monday February 5, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Faith UCC Cemetery Slinger, WI.
Special Thank you to the Hartford and Allenton Fire Departments and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
In lieu of flowers memorials to Faith UCC Church, Hartford F.D. or Allenton F.D. AG rescue are appreciated.
